Authors: Valentina Pacella, M. Scandola, M. Bà, N. Smania, M. Beccherle, E. Rossato,
D. Volpe & Valentina Moro
Abstract: Sense of time is a complex construct, and its neural correlates remain to date in most part unknown.
To complicate the frame, physical attributes of the stimulus, such as its intensity or movement,
influence temporal perception. Although previous studies have shown that time perception can
be compromised after a brain lesion, the evidence on the role of the left and right hemispheres
are meager. In two experiments, the study explores the ability of temporal estimation of multisecond actions and non-biological movements in 33 patients suffering from unilateral brain lesion.
Furthermore, the modulatory role of induced embodiment processes is investigated. The results
reveal a joint contribution of the two hemispheres depending not only on different durations but also
on the presence of actions. Indeed, the left hemisphere damaged patients find it difficult to estimate
4500 ms or longer durations, while the right hemisphere damaged patients fail in 3000 ms durations.
Furthermore, the former fail when a biological action is shown, while the latter fail in non-biological
movement. Embodiment processes have a modulatory effect only after right hemisphere lesions.
Among neuropsychological variables, only spatial neglect influences estimation of non-biological
movement.
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